Former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator has been hired as the new coach of the Cleveland Browns, the team confirmed Thursday. / Chuck Burton, Associated Press

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

After chasing Chip Kelly and speaking to a handful of other candidates, the Cleveland Browns have their new head coach.

Surprise. It's Rob Chudzinski, the candidate who pretty much came out of nowhere within the past day.

The Browns confirmed they've hired Chudzinski and will have a press conference Friday morning.

The 44-year-old Chudzinski has been the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator the past two years after following head coach Ron Rivera from the San Diego Chargers. He previously served as the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2007-08.

Chudzinski grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he pulled for the Browns. Chudzinski interviewed with the team on Wednesday, and was viewed by many to be a longshot for the job.

However, he wowed owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner during his meeting and the team decided to give him the job after interviewing at least eight other candidates.

Under Chudzinski, the Panthers finished fifth in total offense in 2011 and 12th last season.

Last year, Chudzinski interviewed for head coaching jobs with St. Louis, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before returning to Carolina.

Taking over the Browns offense in 2007, Chudzinski helped the Browns win 10 games - the most since their expansion rebirth in 1999 - and had four players make the Pro Bowl.